Adjusting Microphone Positions

Computing systems, such as notebooks, desktops etc., can communicate with other electronic devices during telecommunication session. The computing system may activate different applications to access a telecommunications session. Components, such as microphones, of the computing systems can be used during the telecommunication session. The microphone may be used to communicate with other electronic devices. Electronic devices coupled to the computing system may transmit information to and from the computing system at various time.

Systems described herein can be used to detect sound waves from a user during a telecommunication session. The system can include a microphone to detect the sound waves from the user. That is, as the user speaks or otherwise makes noise, the microphone of the system can detect the voice and/or noise made by the user during the telecommunications session. Moreover, systems can send the sound waves from the user to an audio sensor during the telecommunication session. Sending the sound waves to audio sensors can allow participants to communicate with the user during the telecommunication session.

However, as a user moves around the microphone, the system may have trouble detecting the voice of the user and/or the noises produced by the user. For example, the microphone may not be able to clearly discern the words of the user because the user may be too far away or out of range. Hence, the system may not be able to adequately reproduce the sound for the participants in the telecommunication session. This can make it difficult for the user and the participants to properly communicate when holding a telecommunication session.

As such, systems, as described herein, include computing devices that are able to enhance the sound waves provided by a user to a microphone when the microphone is in use. For example, the computing device can include a processing resource to adjust the receiver of the microphone while the microphone is being used. For instance, the processing resource can receive positioning information informing the computing device of the location of a user in possession of a positioning device. The processor can then adjust the position of the receiver of the microphone towards a direction determined by positioning information to enhance the sound waves provided by the user.

Notably, such systems improve the quality of the audio provided by a user, as compared to systems that include a microphone receiver that does not adjust towards the sound provided by a user. That is, directing the receiver towards the user in possession of the positioning device can enhance the quality of the voice and/or noise provided by the user ensuring that participants in a telecommunication session clearly hear the user. Hence, the computing device will be able to adequately reproduce the sound for the participants in the telecommunication session, allowing proper communication during the telecommunication session.

illustrates an example of a computing device. Computing devices can include a variety of devices, such as, a desktop computer, a portable computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, internet of things (IoT) device, a phablet, etc. In some examples, the computing devicecan be a notebook computer or a laptop computer. The computing devicecan initiate a variety of applications that utilizes different components of the computing device. For example, the computing devicecan initiate an audio/video telecommunication application that uses the microphonecomponent of the computing device. When the computing deviceinitiates an application, the microphonecan activate to receive sound waves from a user in the vicinity of the computing device. As used herein, an “application” refers to a collection of instructions and data that tell a computing related device how to execute specific tasks. As used herein, “microphone” refers to an instrument for converting sound waves into electrical energy variations which can be amplified, transmitted, and/or recorded.

In some examples, the computing devicecan be communicatively coupled to a positioning device (e.g., positioning deviceof) to determine the direction of sound waves provided by a user in possession of the positioning device. As used herein, “communicatively coupled” refers to various wired and/or wireless connections between devices such that data and/or signals may be transferred in various directions between the devices. The computing devicedetermines the direction of the sound waves based on a signal received from the positioning device. For example, the computing devicecan include an antennaand a processing resource. The antennaof the computing devicereceives signals including positioning information from a positioning device and sends the positioning information to the processing resource. The processing resourcecan calculate the positioning information to determine the location of the positioning device when executing instructions stored on a memory resource.

In some examples, the antennacan receive signals from the positioning device each time the location of the positioning device changes. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For instance, the antennacan receive signals related to positioning information at set intervals. For example, the set intervals can range from 500 milliseconds (ms) to about 2 seconds(s). All individual values and subranges from 500 ms to 2 s are included and disclosed herein. For example the intervals can range from a lower limit of 1.249 s, 1.2 s, 1.15 s, 1.1 s, 1.05 s, 1 s, 950 ms, 900 ms, 850 ms, 800 ms, 750 ms, 700 ms, 650 ms, 600 ms, 575 ms, 550 ms, or 525 ms, to an upper limit of 2 s, 1.9 s, 1.8 s, 1.7 s, 1.6 s, 1.5 s, 1.45 s, 1.4 s, 1.35 s, 1.3 s, or 1.251 s. In some examples, the antennacan receive signals related to positioning information substantially continuously. As used herein, the term “substantially” intends that the characteristic does not have to be absolute but is close enough so as to achieve the characteristic. For example, “substantially continuous” is not limited to absolute continuous.

In some examples, the processing resourceuses the positioning information received from the antennato calculate the location of the positioning device each time the computing devicereceives a signal including positioning information. For instance, as described herein, the processing resource can use Time-of-Flight (ToF), Time-Difference-of-Flight (TDoF), Angle-of-Arrival (AoA), Angle-of-Departure (AoD), or a combination thereof to calculate the location of the positioning device.

The processing resourceuses the calculated location of the positioning device to determine which direction to adjust the receiverof the microphone. In some examples, the processing resourcewill cause the receiverto adjust based on the calculated location of the positioning device. That is, the receiverof the microphonechanges positions within the computing deviceto improve the detection of sound waves directed to the microphonefrom a user in possession of the positioning device, as compared to a receiver that does not change positions. For instance, as described herein, the position of the receiveris directed towards the positioning device and the user to improve the detection of the sound waves.

The position of the receiverwill turn (e.g., adjust) towards the positioning device to clearly detect the sound waves coming from that direction. For example, a user may use the microphonewhen a communication application is initiated in the computing device. The user, in possession of the positioning device, may walk around while using the stationary microphoneof the computing devicewhich can change the quality of the sound waves received by the microphone. As such, the receiverof the microphoneadjusts towards the positioning device and the user allowing the microphoneto maintain the quality of the sound waves received. That is, as the user moves around an area, the receiverwill adjust towards and face the positioning device to ensure the sound waves from a user in possession of the positioning device are directed at the receiver.

In some examples, the processing resourcecan increase the volume of the detected sound waves, based on the location of the positioning device, to improve the quality of the sound waves received, as compared to computing devices that do not increase the volume of detected sound waves based on the location of the sound waves received. For instance, the processing resourcecan determine if the audio from the sound waves is audible based on the distance between the positioning device and the microphonein the computing device. If the processing resourcedetermines that the audio from the sound waves is not audible, then the processing resourcewill increase the volume of the sound waves before the sound waves are sent to the audio sensor. As used herein, “audio sensor” refers to a device that converts electrical audio signals, sound waves, etc. into a corresponding sound.

In some examples, the audio sensorcan cause the sound waves to be heard from the computing device. The audio sensorwill play the sound waves at the volume specified by the processing resource. In addition, the audio sensorcan separately increase or decrease the volume of the sound waves received at the specified volume. In some examples, the audio sensorcan be located on the computing device. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For example, the processing resourcecan send the sound waves to an audio sensorexternal to the computing device. For instance, the audio sensorcan be a stand-alone audio sensor device not implemented in another device or the audio sensorcan be located on a second computing device.

illustrates an example processing resourceand memory resourcesuitable with an apparatus. As illustrated in, the apparatusincludes a processing resourceand a memory resource. The processing resourcemay be a hardware processing unit such as a microprocessor, application specific instruction set processor, coprocessor, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), general purpose input output (GPIO), or similar hardware circuitry that may cause machine-readable instructions to be executed. In some examples, the processing resourcemay be a plurality of hardware processing units that may cause machine-readable instructions to be executed. The processing resourcemay include central processing units (CPUs) among other types of processing units. The memory resourcemay be any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or storage, such as random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), storage volumes, a hard disk, or a combination thereof.

The memory resourcemay store instructions thereon, such as instructions,,,,, and. When executed by the processing resource, the instructions may cause the apparatusto perform specific tasks and/or functions. For example, the memory resourcemay store instructionswhich may be executed by the processing resourceto cause the apparatusto determine, when a computing device is connected to a positioning device. In some examples, the computing device will connect to the positioning device responsive to the initiation of a telecommunication application on the computing device. The computing device can be communicatively coupled to a positioning device to determine the location of the positioning device in relation to the computing device. In some examples, the positioning device will determine if the computing device is connected to the positioning device prior to communication (e.g., transmitting positioning signals) with the computing device.

In some examples, when connected to the positioning device, and receiving signals from the positioning device, the processing resource of the computing device can determine the location and distance between the computing device and the positioning device. In some examples, knowing the location and the distance between the computing device and the positioning device can assist the microphone in detecting sound waves from a user in possession of the positioning device. For instance, the computer device connecting to the positioning device improves the detection of sound waves directed to the microphone, as compared to compared to computer devices with stationary microphones. That is, the positioning device notifies the computing device, via the antenna, of the location of the user in possession of the positioning device to improve the detection of the sound waves directed to the microphone. The notification can be provided by positioning signals sent from the positioning device to the computing device. As used herein, “notification” refers to the act of providing information.

The memory resourcemay store instructionswhich may be executed by the processing resourceto cause the apparatusto receive positioning signals to determine an angle to position a receiver of an audio detection device. In some examples, the positioning device will send signals to the antenna of the computing device. The signals can include positioning information. That is, the signals sent by the positioning device can include information that allows the processing resource to determine the location of the positioning device. In some examples, the positioning device can send a signal to the antenna of the computing device each time the location, orientation, and/or direction changes. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For example, the positioning device can send signals to the antenna at set intervals, regardless if the location, orientation, and/or direction of the positioning device has changed. In addition, the positioning device can send signals to the antenna substantially continuously. In some examples, the processing resource will use the positioning information provided in the signal sent by the positioning device to determine the location, orientation, distance, and/or direction of the positioning device.

The memory resourcemay store instructionswhich may be executed by the processing resourceto cause the apparatusto determine a location of the positioning device utilizing positioning information provided in the positioning signals. In some examples, the processing resourceof the computing device will calculate positioning information sent by the positioning device to determine the location, orientation, and/or direction of the positioning device. By calculating the positioning information, the processing resourcealso determines the distance between the positioning device and the computing device. The processing resourcecan calculate the location of the positioning device by using a variety of position calculation methods. For instance, the processing resourcecan measure the time it takes for the signal to travel to the antenna of the computing device from the positioning device and back to the positioning device (e.g., Time-of-Flight), measure the time it takes for different signals to travel to the antenna of the computing device (TDoF), measure the angular direction of the received signal (AoA), and/or measure the angular direction of the signal as it leaves the positioning device (AoD), to name a few.

In some examples, the processing resourcecan calculate the Time-of Arrival (ToA) to determine the location of the positioning device. For example, the processing resourcecan use the time the signal left the positioning device, the time the signal is received by the antenna of the computing device, and the speed of the signal as it travels to determine the location of the positioning device. In addition, the processing resourcecan calculate the Time-Difference-of Arrival (TDoA) to determine the location of the positioning device. For example, the processing resourcecan use the speed of the signal and the time the signal arrived at the antenna of the computing device to determine the location of the positioning device.

The memory resourcemay store instructionswhich may be executed by the processing resourceto cause the apparatusto adjust the position of the receiver of the microphone based on the location of the positioning device. In some examples, once the processing resourcedetermines the location of the positioning device, the processing resourcewill cause the microphone to reposition based on the location of the positioning device. For example, the receiver of the microphone will adjust towards the direction of the positioning device. In some examples, the receiver can physically reposition to adjust towards the direction of the positioning device. Directing the receiver of the microphone towards the positioning device can improve the detection of the sound waves directed towards the microphone. That is, the microphone receiver will be able to better detect sound waves directed to the microphone from a user in possession of the positioning device when the receiver of the microphone is facing the positioning device, as compared to microphone receivers that do not adjust and are not facing the direction of the positioning device.

The receiver of the microphone will adjust each time a different location (e.g., different from the immediately previous location) is calculated. The adjustment of the microphone is based on the location of the positioning device. That is, as a user, in possession of the positioning device, moves and changes location the receiver of the microphone will adjust positions to face the user, with the positioning device, to improve the quality of the sound waves produced by the user, as compared to a microphone and/or receiver that does not adjust. In some examples, when the calculated location of the positioning device is different that a previously calculated location of the positioning device, the processing resource will position the microphone receiver in the direction of the newly calculated location.

The memory resourcemay store instructionswhich may be executed by the processing resourceto cause the apparatusto receive sound waves sent from the determined location of the positioning device. The microphone can receive sound waves from a user in possession of the positioning device. In some examples, the receiver of the microphone will face the direction of the user in possession of the positioning device when the user produces sound waves. Since the receiver will be directed towards the user in possession of the positioning device, the microphone will be able to clearly detect the sound waves from the user. Further, the microphone will be able to detect better quality sound waves from a user in possession of the positioning device, as compared to microphones that are not faced towards the user producing the sound waves.

The memory resourcemay store instructionswhich may be executed by the processing resourceto cause the apparatusto transmit the received sound waves to a second device. In some examples, the processing resourcewill cause the sound waves detected by the microphone to be sent to a second computing device communicatively coupled to the computing device. For example, the processing resourcecan send the detected sound waves to an audio sensor of the second computing device. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For example, the processing resourcecan cause the detected sound waves to be sent to an audio sensor communicatively coupled to the computing device (e.g., first computing device) and/or an external audio sensor (e.g., a standalone audio sensor).

illustrates an example of a systemincluding a computing deviceand a positioning device.can include analogous or similar elements as. For example,can include a computing device, a microphone, a receiver, an audio sensor, and an antenna.

In some examples, the systemincludes a computing deviceand a positioning device. The positioning devicecan be communicatively coupled to the computing device. The positioning devicesends signals to the computing device. For example, the positioning device sends signals including information related to orientation, mobility, location, etc. The positioning devicecan send the signal to the computing devicevia communication channel.

Channelcan be a wireless communication channel that connects the positioning deviceto the computing device. The channelcan allow the positioning deviceto send signals to the computing deviceand receive signals from the computing device. Likewise, the channelcan allow the computing deviceto communicate with the positioning deviceby sending and receiving signals. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For example, channelcan be a wired communication channel between the computing deviceand the positioning device.

In some examples, the positioning devicecan transmit a signal, via the channel, to the antennato communicate with the computing device. For example, the positioning devicecan transmit positioning signals to the antennaof the computing device. The positioning signal can contain positioning information that allows the computing deviceto position and reposition the receiverof the microphone. For example, based on the received positioning information, the computing devicewill adjust the receiverto point the receiverin the direction of the positioning device. That is, as the positioning devicechanges locations the receiverwill adjust position to face the positioning device. In some examples, the receivercan adjust in a range from ten (10) to fifteen (15) degree increments. For example, the receivercan be adjusted 10° (degrees) 15°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, etc. as needed to position the receiverin the direction of the positioning device.

In some examples, adjusting the receivercan improve the sound wave detection of the microphone, as compared to microphones that include receiver that do not adjust. That is, with the receiverfacing the positioning device, the microphonewill be able to improve the detection of the sound waves from a user in possession of the positioning device. The computing devicewill send the received sound waves to an audio sensor. As illustrated in, the audio sensorcan be located in the computing device. However, this disclosure is not so limited. That is, the computing devicecan send the sound waves to an audio sensor located on a device external to the computing device.

illustrates an example diagram of a non-transitory machine-readable mediumsuitable with a system. A processing resource may execute instructions stored on the non-transitory machine-readable medium. The non-transitory machine-readable mediummay be any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or storage, such as random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), storage volumes, a hard disk, or a combination thereof.

The non-transitory machine-readable mediumstores instructionsexecutable by a processing resource to receive positioning signals to determine an angle to position a receiver of the microphone. In various examples, the processing resource will execute accept instructionsto obtain information related to the location of a positioning device. The received signals can include positioning information that will allow the processing resource to determine the location of the positioning device. In some examples, the processing resource can determine the location of the positioning device by performing calculations using the information provided in the positioning signals.

The non-transitory machine-readable mediumstores instructionsexecutable by a processing resource to calculate a position of the receiver based on the positioning information. In some examples, the processing resource will execute calculate instructionsto determine the position of the receiver. As described herein, the processing resource uses ToF, TDoF, AoA, AoD, ToA, and/or TDoA to determine the location of the positioning device. In some examples, the receiver of the microphone will adjust positions based on the location of the positioning device as determined by the calculation made with the positioning information. The positioning information can provide the computing device with the means to determine the exact location, orientation, direction, etc. of the positioning device. Once the location, orientation, direction, etc. of the positioning device is calculated, the computing device will determine if the receiver position should be adjusted or if the receiver should remain in the current position.

The non-transitory machine-readable mediumstores instructionsexecutable by a processing resource to adjust the position of the receiver based on the calculated location of the positioning device. In some examples, the processing resource will execute change instructionsto change the position of the receiver when the calculated location of the positioning device is different from the immediately previous calculated position of the positioning device. The processing resource will adjust the receiver of the microphone to face the positioning device in order to detect quality sound waves from a user in possession of the positioning device.

In some examples, the positioning signal provided to the computing device can inform the computing device that the positioning device is actively moving as the signal is being transmitted from the positioning device. The processing resource of the computing device can use the positioning information in the signal to adjust the position of the receiver in the same direction the positioning device is moving at the same time the positioning device is moving. For example, the signal received by the computing device can inform the computing device that the positioning device is moving in a set direction at a set speed, and the processing resource can cause the receiver position to adjust in the same direction at the same speed as the positioning device based on the received signal. In some examples, the receiver position may continue to adjust until a subsequent signal is received, at which point the processing resource would make adjustments, or refrain from making adjustments, to the receiver based on the subsequent signal. However, this disclosure is not so limited. That is, in some examples, the receiver can transition with the positioning device for a set period of time and then halt the transition of the receiver until a subsequent signal is received.

The non-transitory machine-readable mediumstores instructionsexecutable by a processing resource to determine when the location of the positioning device is at or above a threshold distance. In some examples, the processing resource will execute detect instructionsto determine the distance between the positioning device and the computing device. In some examples, is the distance between the positioning device and the computing device is at or above a threshold distance, the processing resource can cause the volume of sound waves directed to the microphone to increase before transmitting the sound waves to an audio device. As used herein, the term “above a threshold” can, for example, refer to a value crossing a first side of a bound. As used herein, the term “below a threshold” can, for example, refer to a value crossing a second side of a bound. As used herein, the term “at a threshold” or “reaches a threshold level” can, for example, refer to a value being at a bound.

For example, if the positioning device is at or above a threshold distance, the sound waves from a user in possession of the positioning device may be low, as compared to when the positioning device is below the threshold distance. As such, to improve the quality of the sound waves, the processing resource can increase the volume of the sound waves. In some examples, processing resource will determine the positioning device is at or above a threshold distance and analyze the volume of the sound waves before increasing the volume of the sound waves and transmitting the sound waves to an audio device. Hence, the processing resource will adjust, by increasing or decreasing, a volume of the sound waves when the received sound waves originate from a distance at or greater than a threshold distance. Similarly, if the positioning device is below a threshold distance, the processing resource can analyze the volume of the sound waves received from a user in possession of the positioning device and increase or decrease the volume of the sound waves to produce a quality sound.

The non-transitory machine-readable mediumstores instructionsexecutable by a processing resource to receive positioning signals in response to the location of the positioning device changing within a threshold margin. In some examples, the processing resource will execute accept instructionsto obtain updated positioning information. In some examples, the processing resource can adjust the position of the receiver of the microphone when the location of the positioning device, in reference to the position of the receiver, changes at or above a threshold margin. That is, if the location of the positioning device has changed within a threshold margin in reference to the direction of the receiver position, the processing resource may refrain from adjusting the position of the receiver. However, in contrast, if the location of the positioning device is at or above a threshold margin in reference to the direction of the receiver, the processing resource may adjust the position of the receiver. That is, the processing resource will adjust the receiver of the microphone when the location of the positioning device in relation to the position/direction of the receiver is at or above a threshold margin. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For example, the processing resource can adjust the receiver of the microphone when the location of the positioning device changes within the threshold margin.

illustrates an example of a systemincluding a computing deviceand a positioning device.can include analogous or similar elements as. For example,can include system, a computing device, a microphone, a receiver, an audio sensor, a processing resource, a memory resource, an antenna, a positioning device, and channel.

In some examples, the systemincludes a computing deviceto receive positioning signals at the antennaand a processing resourceto cause the receiverof the microphoneto adjust based on the received positioning signals. That is, the antennacan receive signals and transmit positioning information related to the signals to the processing resource. The processing resourcecan use the positioning information to cause the receiverto adjust positions. In some examples, the microphonewill receive sound waves from and external source. That is, the sound waves will be sent by a user in possession of the positioning device. The sound waves will be sent from a location determined (e.g., calculated) by the processing resourceusing the positioning information. For instance, the positioning devicewill send positioning information to the computing devicefor calculation and the computing devicewill expect the sound waves to come from the location calculated by the computing device. As the microphone detects sound waves from a user, the processing resource can send the sound waves to an external and/or internal audio sensor.

In some examples, the systemcan also include positioning devicecommunicatively coupled to the computing deviceto send signals to the computing devicevia channel. For example, the controllerof the positioning devicecan cause the transmitterto send different types of signals to the computing device. For instance, the transmittercan send positioning signals used to determine the location, mobility, and/or direction of the positioning device. That is, the processing resourceof the computing devicecan use the positioning signals to determine where the positioning deviceis located, if the positioning deviceis moving, and/or the direction the positioning deviceis facing. Moreover, the transmittercan send status signals that inform the computing deviceof the orientation of the positioning deviceand/or informs the computing device that positioning signals will be temporarily stopped based on the orientation of the positioning device. As used herein, the term “controller” refers to a computing device that may contain a processing resource and a memory resource to execute instructions.

In some examples, the positioning deviceincludes a gyro sensorto determine the orientation of the positioning device. As used herein, a “gyro sensor” refers to a device used to measure and/or maintain orientation and angular velocity. The gyro sensorwill be able to determine if the positioning deviceis flat on a surface or otherwise out of the possession of a user. Similarly, the gyro sensorwill be able to determine if the positioning deviceis in the possession of the user. In some examples, the controllerwill cause the transmitterto send a signal notifying the computing deviceof the orientation of the positioning device. For example, the transmittercan send a signal notifying the computing device that the positioning deviceis out of the possession of the user and positioning signals will be temporarily suspended. In contrast, the transmittercan send a signal notifying the computing device that the positioning deviceis in the possession of the user and positioning devicewill resume sending positioning signals. That is, the gyro sensorcan detect a change in the orientation of the positioning deviceand the transmitterwill send a signal notifying the computing deviceof the changed orientation.

For example, as described herein, if the gyro sensordetects the positioning deviceis in a substantially flat orientation the transmitterwill refrain from sending positioning information to the computing device, subsequent to sending a notification (e.g., signal notifying) to the computing deviceof the positioning deviceorientation. Moreover, the transmittermay resume sending positioning signals to the computing device, responsive to the gyro sensordetecting the positioning devicehas transitioned from a substantially flat orientation (e.g., in the possession of the user).

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures can be identified by the use of similar digits. For example,can reference element “02” in, and a similar element can be referenced asin.

Elements shown in the various figures herein can be capable of being added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

The above specification and examples provide a description of the method and applications and use of the system and method of the present disclosure. Since many examples can be made without departing from the scope of the system and method, this specification merely sets forth some of the many possible example configurations and implementations.

It should be understood that the descriptions of various examples may not be drawn to scale and thus, the descriptions can have a different size and/or configuration other than as shown therein.